FINANCIAL services group FBC Holdings Limited secured external credit lines worth more than ZiG2,5 billion last year as banks increasingly turn to foreign funding to sustain lending in Zimbabwe’s liquidity-constrained financial sector.
The group obtained a ZiG2,3 billion facility from African Export-Import Bank through its banking subsidiary, FBC Bank Limited, according to the group’s financial results for the year ended December 31, 2025.
A further ZiG259,25 million line of credit was secured from Shelter Afrique through its wholesale banking arm, FBC Crown Bank Limited.
The funding highlights a growing trend among Zimbabwean banks seeking offshore credit lines to support lending and ease domestic liquidity constraints that have limited the sector’s ability to finance businesses and households.
FBC group chief executive Trynos Kufazvinei said the group’s banking unit delivered strong growth during the period, underpinned by lending expansion and rising digital transaction volumes.
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“Net interest income was ZiG864,4 million, while fees and commission income were ZiG1,1 billion. The lending portfolio remained robust, with loans and advances amounting to ZiG8,6 billion,” he said in a statement accompanying the group’s financial results for the year ended December 31, 2025.
He added that digital platforms and diversified service channels continued to drive transaction volumes and fee income.
“Fees and commissions were driven by multiple service delivery channels powered by our digital banking platforms. The service offering is expanding across the country through partnerships and diverse transactional platforms, both locally and internationally,” Kufazvinei said.
“Efforts to mobilise external lines of credit to support growing client funding requirements and balance sheet expansion are ongoing.”
Within FBC Bank Limited’s loan book, the largest share of lending went to other services (30,7%), followed by individuals (21%) and manufacturing (15,2%).
The lending growth pushed total assets to ZiG15,15 billion, up from ZiG11,82 billion recorded in the previous year.
Meanwhile, FBC Crown Bank Limited more than doubled its loans and advances to ZiG1,56 billion after securing the Shelter Afrique facility.
About 36% of its lending book went to individuals, while manufacturing accounted for 20% and agriculture and horticulture took up 16%.
The wholesale bank’s total assets rose to ZiG4,39 billion during the period under review, from ZiG3,17 billion in the prior year.
FBC board chairperson Hebert Nkala said liquidity challenges continued to constrain the banking sector’s ability to effectively intermediate funds in the economy.
“The payment of interest to depositors has, to a certain extent, improved deposit retention, and in this regard, banking institutions are securing foreign lines of credit in addition to boosting funding for lending activities,” he said.
Nkala said the group was adjusting its strategies to manage heightened credit and liquidity risks while positioning for growth.
“Looking ahead, the board is optimistic about the group’s prospects and is encouraged by the stable operating environment and economic growth opportunities,” he said.
“The group is well-positioned to leverage its diversified business model to grow and preserve shareholder value.”
